Lift Repair

Passenger lifts in commercial buildings must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every six months under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Goods-only lifts require examination at least every twelve months. Where a thorough examination identifies defects, remedial repairs must be completed before the lift is returned to safe operation. A written report must be retained for at least two years as evidence of compliance.

Types of commercial lift we repair

Robinsons Facilities Services carries out reactive fault diagnosis and repair across a range of commercial lift systems:

• Passenger lifts — including traction, hydraulic, and MRL (machine room less) systems
• Goods lifts — used for freight and materials handling in industrial and commercial settings
• Platform lifts — step-free access lifts for commercial and public buildings
• Service lifts — dumbwaiters and service hoists in hospitality, healthcare, and commercial settings
• Food hoists — specialist lift systems in catering and hospitality environments

For ceiling hoists, gantry systems, and other lifting and hoisting equipment, see our lifting and hoisting equipment service →

If you are unsure whether your lift type is covered, contact us with the make, model, and configuration and we will confirm before arranging attendance.

Common commercial lift faults

Lift faults vary by system type and age, but the most frequent call-out reasons include:

Door faults

Door faults are the single most common cause of lift failure. Symptoms include doors that fail to open or close fully, doors that open at the wrong level, and doors that reverse unexpectedly. Door edge sensors, tracks, and motor drives are frequent components requiring attention.

Motor and drive faults

Motor and drive faults can prevent the lift from moving, cause erratic travel speed, or result in the car stopping between floors. These faults often manifest as unusual noises during operation (grinding, banging, or humming) and should not be ignored.

Electrical and control system faults

Electrical faults range from unresponsive call buttons and floor selector panels to complete loss of power to the lift system. Control system faults can cause incorrect floor registration, failure to respond to calls, or unexpected shutdown.

Safety device activation

Commercial lifts are fitted with multiple safety devices including overspeed governors, buffers, and safety gear. If a safety device activates, the lift will be taken out of service automatically. The device must be inspected, the underlying cause identified, and the system reset and tested by a qualified engineer before the lift can return to service.

Hydraulic system faults

Hydraulic lifts can develop oil leaks, pressure faults, or pump failures that affect lift travel or cause the car to drift between floors. Hydraulic faults require prompt attention — a car that drifts presents a significant safety risk to passengers.

Suspension and rope faults

Worn, frayed, or misaligned ropes or suspension components on traction lifts affect safe operation and must be identified and addressed during thorough examination or reactive attendance. Where rope condition is borderline, the lift should be taken out of service until replacement is complete.

If your lift is displaying any of these symptoms, contact us to arrange a diagnostic visit. We confirm rates before attendance.

Lift repairs and LOLER compliance

Under LOLER, lifts used to carry people must undergo thorough examination at least every six months. Goods-only lifts require examination at least every twelve months. These thorough examinations must be carried out by a competent person independent of the organisation responsible for the lift.

Where a thorough examination identifies defects, the report will specify whether the defect must be rectified immediately before the lift returns to service, or within a defined timescale. Remedial repairs arising from a LOLER report must be completed and documented.

Robinsons Facilities Services carries out the remedial repair works arising from LOLER examinations. For planned lift maintenance and LOLER thorough examinations, see our lift maintenance service →

Routine checks between service visits

Building managers can carry out a number of visual and functional checks between scheduled service visits to identify early signs of fault. These checks do not replace professional maintenance or LOLER thorough examination, but can help catch developing issues before they cause a full breakdown.

• Test the emergency communication system — confirm the call point connects and is audible
• Check door operation — doors should open and close fully without hesitation or reversal
• Visually inspect lift car and landing doors for damage, wear, or obstruction
• Check interior lighting is operational and replace failed bulbs promptly
• Inspect the lift car for debris that could obstruct door operation or create a trip hazard
• Check the floor level at each landing — a car stopping above or below floor level should be reported immediately

Any fault or concern identified during these checks should be reported to your lift maintenance provider without delay. Do not attempt to adjust or repair lift components yourself.

How it works

Step 1: Contact us to arrange attendance

Call us or complete the online enquiry form. We confirm rates, the engineer’s availability, and the earliest suitable attendance slot.

Contact us →

Step 2: Engineer attends and diagnoses

Our engineer attends at the agreed time, inspects the lift system, and identifies the fault. Where repair is possible during the initial visit, we carry it out. Where parts are required or further investigation is needed, we make the lift safe, take it out of service if necessary, and provide a clear written assessment.

Step 3: Repair, report, and follow-up

You receive a written report confirming the fault identified, work carried out, and any further recommendations. If additional remedial work is required, we provide a clear, itemised quote through our Quoted Works service. Attendance through this service covers business hours.

Contract customers requiring out-of-hours cover can access this through their PPM contract.

How we can support you

On-demand repair visits

Reactive and urgent attendance during business hours for lift faults, diagnostic visits, and repair works.  Transparent rates confirmed before attendance. No contract required. From £80 + VAT per hour. 

Arrange an engineer visit → | Emergency lift repair →

PPM and compliance contract

Planned preventative maintenance with priority attendance for reactive faults during business hours, preferential rates, and access to our 24/7/365 out-of-hours facility for lift faults and other issues arising outside normal working hours. From £385 + VAT per year. 

Find out more →

Quoted works

For repairs requiring specialist parts, component replacement, or more significant remedial work. Fixed, itemised costs agreed before work begins. 

Request a quote →

Why Robinsons Facilities Services

Robinsons Facilities Services is SafeContractor approved and holds UKAS ISO 9001 quality management certification. We carry out commercial lift repairs as part of wider facilities management contracts for property managers, multi-academy trusts, healthcare providers, and commercial building owners across Yorkshire and the Humber.

We regularly attend lift faults in office buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, and multi-occupancy commercial buildings. Many clients come to us following a one-off repair and subsequently move to a PPM contract for ongoing support.

Our PPM contracts include automatic scheduling, detailed service records, and a customer portal where you can access reports, visit schedules, and site documentation. Contract customers receive priority attendance for reactive issues during business hours.

Based in Harrogate, we serve commercial buildings across Yorkshire, the Humber, and beyond. Contact us to discuss your requirements.